To all the Russian consultants: are there non-Russian native speakers/ non-CIS citizens working in the Moscow office?

Question

I am a non-CIS citizen very interested in working in an MBB Moscow office in the future. My university is in the US and is well-recognized. As of now, my Russian is around B2 level, and I will hopefully achieve full professional proficiency in Russian by graduation. I am curious if I stand any chance of working as a consultant in Russia -- Is it extremely uncommon for a foreigner to work at Moscow offices?

Thank you!

Answer 1

Hi Anonymous,

For permanently working in Moscow office, the prerequisite was (and I believe still is) perfect command of Russian language in a business and also non-business setting.

This makes sense especially considering that many business leaders (maybe surprisingly, to some extent) don't speak English well - was travelling to Russia around 70 times in last 10 years and again and again I face difficulties in English communication.

Since this is a not-so-simple requirement to fulfill, it's rather uncommon to permanently work in Moscow office.

Hope that helps - if so, please be so kind and give it a thumbs-up with the green upvote button below!

Robert

Answer 2

Hi there,

In general, if you do have full professional working professional in the language of a local office, you can indeed be hired.

That being said, you need to 1) Show this as a clear theme on your CV/Cover Letter and 2) Recognize what business fluent meants (i.e. not can you talk to people in the street, but can you finish a case, using the right terminology, etc).

Best of luck!

Answer 3

Hello!

Im not russian, but in McK i knew two people working from the Russian offices that were not native.

Hence, doable! I guess language would be the main barrier.

Cheers,

Clara

Answer 4

Hi A,

Working in office is ok, but communication with business leaders and in travelling might be really tough.

Wish you learn Russian as better as possible, if you decide with Miscow office.

Wish your best of luck,

Best,

André

Answer 5

Hi there,

You can definitely apply for a consultant position in Russia as you have B2 level.

But I would strongly recommend you learn Russian up to C1 after getting an offer as the communication part would be a challenge for you.

Do you need any further help?

All the best,

GB